Motoring editor Lisa Curtiss shares her top picks of the some of this spring’s offerings – each promising to deliver some exhilarating driving fun.
New Lexus LC Limited Edition Coupe (pictured above)
Sleek, stylish and luxurious throughout, this version of its flagship coupe comes in an exclusive new Terrane Khaki exterior finish which really showcases the car’s seductive lines. A set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels with a two-tone finish adds to the effect. The interior is equally striking thanks to a number of special features including artfully contrasting leathers for the trim and seats and special scuff plates.
As you’d expect from a Lexus, there’s a host of top quality state-of-the-art technology on board from colour head up display to its power plant – the world’s first self-charging multi stage hybrid system delivering excellent performance and economy.
Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Just 50 of these super-special GT-R’s will be made, and a mere 18 of these will reach the UK making them one of the most rare and coveted sportscars of the year. Bold and aggressively handsome, there’s nothing subtle about this model. In the R34 Nissan GT-R hallowed Bayside Blue with white racing stripes it’s guaranteed to catch the eye of every performance car aficionado it passes by.
Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R
This is simply the best fun to be had on the road, any road, and yes this includes ‘The Ring’ and Spa Francorchamps where in £72,140 Nürburgring Record Pack guise it has broken all the best front-wheel drive lap times with Renault Sport test driver Laurent Hurgon at the helm. A masterclass in dynamic handling and blistering performance its more than capable of trouncing rivals 3 times the price. Just 32 of the total 500 models made will be coming to the UK and no doubt snapped up super fast.
All new Ford Focus ST
More power and faster acceleration than ever before, this Ford is on fire. Inspired by its siblings the Ford GT supercar, F‑150 Raptor pick-up and Ford Mustang it’s designed to give that thrilling punch back in the seat feeling when you hit the gas. Cornering ability has been improved too thanks to the adoption of Ford’s first electronic limited-slip differential for a front-wheel drive model.
Caterham 458 CSR
The ultimate, most powerful EU Caterham Seven to date has been launched, capable of accelerating 0-62 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds, and racing on to a top speed of 225 kmh. Small but mighty, weighing in at just 580kg, the 485 CSR delivers an eye-watering 409 ps per-tonne, almost the same as a Lamborghini Huracan or a Ferrari 599.
Honda Civic Type R
Still notching up awards, this hot hatch remains the firm favourite of many performance car lovers. Probably the most OTT of all in terms of looks, it certainly isn’t for shy and retiring types and every inch, every spoiler, shouts it’s fast and fun.
New Mini John Cooper Works GP
Motor racing fans were the first to get a glimpse of this much awaited model back last Summer when it was completing set-up runs on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit as part of its series development process. Just 3,000 will be made and no doubt snapped up as soon as available for its stunning design and raw, go-cart-like, track-honed performance.
Lotus Evija
Breaking boundaries as the first pure electric British hypercar, the Evija made its debut a few months ago to global acclaim. Able to reach 0-62mph in an astonishing three seconds, this the World’s most powerful series production car with a power output of 2,000, yet can travel for 250 miles on electric alone. Just 130 will be produced in Norwich, the company’s historic home.
